Harare, Zimbabwe; 19 February 2014. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is launching a five-year, $100 million development food assistance program. Between 2013 and 2018, the program will assist more than 500,000 vulnerable Zimbabweans to improve their nutritional status, increase their agricultural productivity and economically viability, and become more resilient in the face of economic and natural disasters.
USAID Zimbabwe Mission Director Melissa Williams commented, “Once known as the breadbasket of southern Africa, Zimbabwe’s economic decline and frequent droughts have resulted in decreased agricultural productivity and a high level of chronic child malnutrition. USAID’s approach provides concrete resources and skills, ultimately assisting vulnerable Zimbabweans in achieving food security.”
Funded through USAID’s Office of Food for Peace, this comprehensive food security program is designed to support and enhance the Government of Zimbabwe’s strategic Food and Nutrition Security Policy. Two partners, World Vision and CNFA, will implement the program in Manicaland, Masvingo, Matabeleland North, and Matabeleland South provinces.
The program will address chronic malnutrition while promoting health and hygiene practices. More than 220,000 women and children will receive supplementary food rations, and health and nutrition training. The program also seeks to promote productivity among smallholder farmers while diversifying livelihood options. In targeted areas, small grain production is expected to increase by more than 120,000 metric tons and calf birth rates by 75 percent.
For more than 30 years, the American people, through USAID, have invested over $2.6 billion in Zimbabwe. More than 40 projects a year include initiatives to increase food security, support economic resilience, improve health systems and services, and advance a more democratic system of governance.
For additional information, please contact Counselor for Public Affairs, Karen Kelley, KelleyK@state.gov. Mobile: +263772 559 784; Url: http://harare.usembassy.gov